Water ramps open to the public

The H2 Air Water Ramp Ski Training Facility on Blackcomb Mountain has been open to summer ski camps and members of the national freestyle team for almost three weeks, and is now open the public for the first time.

Improvements have been made to the ramps to suit different skiers, with kickers for park riders and mogul skiers, and ramps for aerialists. There are now five different ramps to choose from.

The facility was originally built as a summer facility for the Canadian Freestye Aerials team, and has been used by aerialists from other countries over the years. Because of the size of the in-ramps, skiers have been able to use the jumps to practice everything from single backflips to the quadruple twisting triple flips used on the World Cup aerials circuit.

In addition to the ramps, the facility has a trampoline site with bungees and rope spotting rigs.

The facility will be open to the public through a drop-in and seasons pass program, with drop-in days starting on Friday, July 23 and running Friday through Sunday through the summer, as well as the week of Aug. 3-8.

In September the drop-in days will be Saturday and Sunday to mid-October.

The trampoline program will run on Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting on July. 31.

Anyone who is interested should contact Mac McDonell at 604-938-7293 for rates, times and general information.

Participants should be intermediate to advanced skiers, and should bring their own ski boots and helmet. Wet suits are also recommended because the water can be cold.

The water ramp facility is located at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain, beside the newly constructed halfpipe. Spectators are always welcome.